ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-FACTOR INCREASES PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS EFFICIENCY INNEPHRECTOMIZED RATS

The effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on peritoneal dialysis w as studied in bilaterally nephrectomized rats. ANF was injected prior to every dialysis exchange and blood samples were obtained before the instillation of the dialysis solution and during the collection of dia lysates. Urea, creatinine, potassium, and sodium were determined in bo th plasma and dialysates. Results showed that ANF increased the plasma clearance of all studied solutes, probably through vasodilation. Solu te clearances showed a gradual increase with each dialysis exchange in both control and experimental animals. Therefore, ANF plasma levels w ere assayed before, during, and after peritoneal dialysis in a control group of nephrectomized rats to determine whether ANF plasma levels w ere modified during dialysis. Plasma ANF values were higher during and after peritoneal dialysis, though basal levels were similar to those of non-nephrectomized rats. These results suggest the release of endog enous ANF from the cardiac atria during peritoneal dialysis. The prese nt results suggest that ANF may be of potential interest in the clinic al field to increase the efficiency of peritoneal dialysis in man.